EEO/Title IX Investigator

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The EEO/Title IX Investigator supports Santa Clara University’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. Under the direction of the Director of Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator, the Investigator leads neutral, prompt, and thorough investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation involving students, faculty, or staff. The role supports institutional compliance with federal, California state, and local civil rights regulations and higher education requirements. The Investigator interviews parties and witnesses, gathers and organizes evidence, maintains records, facilitates evidence review in accordance with University procedures, and prepares comprehensive, timely investigation reports. Reports include fact-finding, credibility and reliability assessments, and legal or policy analyses. The role also drafts clear and accurate investigation communications, follows applicable policies and procedures and investigation best practices, and may serve as an informal resolution officer or assist with other parts of complaint response and resolution. The position also contributes to education, prevention, outreach, and reporting activities, including developing educational materials and programming related to Title IX and University policies. The Investigator collaborates with campus and community partners, including law enforcement and survivor services. This position is not eligible for remote work. The work is primarily in a private university office environment, with occasional travel potentially required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Six to eight years of investigation experience, particularly in Title IX, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, civil rights, or similar discrimination complaints, or equivalent experience.
At least three years of experience in an on-campus position in higher education or K-12 conducting civil rights or Title IX investigations.
At least two years of experience preparing comprehensive investigation reports with in-depth analyses.
Comprehensive working knowledge of state and federal nondiscrimination laws, due process protections, and higher education compliance regulations, including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA, FMLA, VAWA, FERPA, the Clery Act, California FEHA, and California higher education mandates.
Knowledge of investigation techniques and best practices, community engagement strategies, and approaches to systemic reform.
Demonstrated skill in party and witness interviews and investigations, including leading interviews, assessing credibility, and identifying inconsistencies.
Strong writing skills and ability to produce high-quality written work products, including comprehensive investigation reports.
Ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically with people from diverse backgrounds and remain calm and impartial in sensitive, confrontational, and stressful situations.
Ability to conduct interviews and written and verbal communications using a trauma-informed approach while maintaining impartiality, neutrality, and objectivity.
Strong verbal communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
Strong work ethic, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to work constructively as both a leader and teammate.
Proficiency with PCs and word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software; Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are preferred.
Ability to analyze complex policies, rules, laws, reports, medical records, and other pertinent documents, and communicate complex analyses and their implications.
Excellent planning, organizational, and time-management skills; creative problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage a significant, volume-oriented caseload independently and efficiently, multitask, prioritize, adapt, and meet deadlines.
Ability to build effective working relationships with on- and off-campus partners, civil rights agencies, and relevant professional associations.
Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment, establish credibility with diverse constituents, and maintain data integrity and confidentiality.
Honesty, integrity, high ethical standards, and ability to maintain neutrality and objectivity in each case.
Ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary, work flexible hours as needed, and undertake limited travel.
A writing sample will be requested from candidates under consideration.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in law, psychology, social work, public policy, public health, education, criminology, or a related field.
Experience in conflict management.
Training in investigation techniques.
Training in Title IX, Title VII, civil rights investigations, trauma, or sexual assault investigations.
Training in mediation, restorative practices, or alternative resolution.
Significant experience working collaboratively with complainants, survivor rights advocates, law enforcement officials, or other key stakeholders.
Experience developing and delivering trainings.

Responsibilities

Conduct prompt and thorough investigations, including developing investigative plans, identifying and interviewing witnesses, and gathering and securing information and data.
Maintain accurate and thorough records and notes of the investigative process.
Draft accurate correspondence and notices related to complaint intake, investigation, and processing while complying with procedural due process rights.
Engage in and document informal resolution practices when appropriate.
Follow Santa Clara University standards, processes, policies, procedures, and timelines for investigations, resolutions, and report writing.
Conduct interviews, take accurate notes, and draft interview summaries.
Determine appropriate questions, information to document, and communications needed for a resolution process.
Ask appropriate questions to gather information about allegations of sexual misconduct, discrimination, retaliation, or harassment.
Identify and distinguish evidence that is directly related or relevant.
Prepare comprehensive and timely written reports with in-depth analyses, including fact-finding and credibility assessments.
Prepare for and participate in meetings, hearings, or grievances related to investigation results.
Maintain current expertise in applicable federal, state, and local civil rights, equity, and higher education regulations.
Handle confidential and highly sensitive information in compliance with University policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Assist the Deputy Title IX Coordinator in creating and disseminating educational materials, including brochures, posters, and web-based materials.
Conduct outreach and education as part of awareness campaigns.
Assist with education, training, outreach, and engagement programming on Title IX and University discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct policies and processes.
Collaborate with on- and off-campus resources, including law enforcement, survivor services, and other investigators, to support legally compliant University processes, responses, and policies.
Manage special projects and assist with overflow duties as assigned.